Spicy Vegan Hot Pot

Spicy Vegan Hot Pot

Ingredients:

For the tamarind juice:

  • 80 g tamarind paste

  • 240 ml boiling water

For the broth:

  • 2 tbsp oil

  • 2 tbsp minced lemongrass (or the bottom third of 1 stalk, finely chopped)

  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, minced

  • ¼ of a fresh pineapple, cut into chunks (approx 1 cup)

  • 1 medium tomato, sliced

  • 4‑5 cremini mushrooms, whole or quartered

  • 1.5 litres water

  • 50 g granulated sugar

  • 15 g salt

  • 2 lemongrass stalks, lightly crushed

  • 1–2 tbsp Sri Lankan‑style vegan chilli paste (adjust to your heat preference)

Add‑ins (to serve):

  • Vegan protein of your choice (tofu puffs, cubed tofu, textured soy protein)

  • Rice or wheat noodles

  • Vegetables of your choice: baby corn, mushrooms, leafy greens, etc.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare tamarind juice.
    Place the tamarind paste into a bowl, pour over boiling water, stir to loosen it, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, discarding the solids. Reserve the liquid.

  2. Begin the broth.
    In a deep large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced lemongrass and ginger, sautéing for around 1 minute until aromatic.

  3. Add pineapple, tomato and mushrooms.
    Add the pineapple chunks and sliced tomato; cook for 3‑5 minutes, stirring. Then add the mushrooms and sauté another 2 minutes.

  4. Add remaining broth ingredients.
    Pour in the water and the tamarind juice. Season with sugar and salt, then add the lightly crushed lemongrass stalks. Also stir in your Sri Lankan vegan chilli paste.

  5. Simmer the broth.
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes so that the flavours meld and the broth becomes vibrant.

  6. Prepare add‑ins while simmering.
    During the simmer, arrange and prepare your noodles (cook and rinse if needed), slice your chosen vegan protein, and wash/slice your vegetables so they’re ready to go.

  7. Serve communally.
    Transfer the hot broth to a centre table burner or keep it on the hob. Place the noodles, protein and vegetables around the pot. Let each person add what they like into the simmering broth, cook for a few minutes, then serve from the pot into their bowl.

Notes & Tips:

  • If you prefer less sourness, you can halve the tamarind or reduce the sugar slightly.

  • This hot pot setup is ideal for sharing - great for family or friends around the table.
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